Portugal will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K at Houston Stadium, Texas. The Portuguese aim to end 60 years of World Cup disappointment since their best finish of third place in 1966.

Cristiano Ronaldo seeks to become the first player to score in six World Cups, having netted in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. The 41-year-old forward dreams of lifting the only major trophy missing from his collection in what is expected to be his final tournament.

Portugal's squad boasts talent from top European clubs: Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes helped PSG win a second consecutive Champions League, while Bruno Fernandes set a Premier League record with 21 assists. However, Ronaldo's form has been questioned after failing to score from open play in his last two major tournaments.

DR Congo qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years, defeating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff. The team features Premier League defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arthur Masuaku. Their preparations were hampered by an Ebola outbreak.

A notable figure in Congolese football is superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who has attended matches for 13 years wearing colorful suits and imitating a statue of Patrice Lumumba. He was included in the official delegation at the players' request.

Group K also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 32, a new format for the World Cup.

Source: www.aljazeera.com